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Chickpea fungicide guide: 2018 season

Foliar fungicides will help manage the chickpea diseases ascochyta blight (AB) and botrytis grey mould (BGM), but when to commence a fungicide program and how often to spray, depends on the varietal resistance, weather conditions and the potential yield of the crop.

Pulse Australia have a number of Minor Use Permits from APVMA in place for 2018 to help growers with disease control and these are shown in the table below along with all the current registered products.
Fungal disease control is based on protection of plants rather than curing infections. The first fungicide application must be applied as early as necessary to minimise the establishment of the disease. Additional applications are required if conditions favour the disease.

Fungicides remain effective for approximately 10-14 days under ideal conditions. Keep in mind that all new growth after spraying is unprotected. Timing of fungicide applications is critical. An application in advance of a rain front provides maximum protection. Delaying application until after a rain front reduces efficacy significantly, as rainfall will rapidly spread disease. With high levels of inoculum in many paddocks after the wet season in 2016, a protective fungicide application soon after crop emergence may be required. Close monitoring for early symptoms will improve disease management.
The need for repeated fungicide applications depends on the growth stage of the crop, the time since the last fungicide application and the likelihood of further conditions favouring disease development. Unprotected crops may be quickly defoliated and destroyed by the infection. Varieties that are susceptible to AB will require multiple sprays through the season, while varieties with moderate susceptibility to AB will require at least 3-4 sprays over the season.

Seasonal Conditions in 2018

Seasonal conditions have varied widely across Australian cropping areas. After a very hot and dry summer in many regions and variable autumn break for sowing crops, conditions in many regions have become cold and dry, with frosty mornings. In Qld and Northern NSW drought conditions have prevailed with record low rainfall and virtually no winter crops sown. South Eastern NSW has had some reasonable rainfall, but below average, and crops are progressing slowly. In South West NSW though many crops are suffering moisture stress and are well below average. Victoria and South Australia also have had below average conditions but at least have had enough rainfall to get crops established reasonably well. Further rain will be needed in spring to finish these crops. In Western Australia the southern and eastern grain belts have had good conditions. These conditions have meant that diseases have not been favoured even though many need only limited moisture to infect crops (heavy dew may provide enough moisture). Monitoring needs to be continued through the different growth stages of the crop. With good access for ground sprayers this year, allowing for high water rates and canopy penetration, timely fungicide application will give the crop the best chance of a high yield. There have been reports of Ascochyta Blight in chickpea crops in 2018 in some areas, so monitoring regularly is essential.

Many of the Minor Use Permits have short term expiry dates (e.g. 30/11/2017)

NR = Not Registered

Read the Label

As with any chemical application, care should be taken to observe all the label conditions for each product. Some label advice is different for each state or region, so for best results, it is important that this is followed. Many of our pulse crops are exported for human consumption, so market access is dependent on having the product free of chemical residues. Australian has a reputation for providing clean and safe produce so it is vital that this is maintained by using chemicals according to regulations. All permits have label recommendations for use rate and withholding periods (WHP) that must be observed so grain will comply with Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) allowable for market access.

Support and funding acknowledgement

Pulse Australia acknowledges the financial support from their members.

Disclaimer

Information provided in this guide was correct at the time of the date shown below. No responsibility is accepted by Pulse Australia for any commercial outcomes from the use of information contained in this guide.

The information herein has been obtained from sources considered reliable but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. No liability or responsibility is accepted for any errors or for any negligence, omissions in the contents, default or lack of care for any loss or damage whatsoever that may arise from actions based on any material contained in this publication.

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